Start with the denominator
Effectiveness and frequency of use are not the same measure
The 2021 industry survey reported that portable extinguishers put out the fire in 93% of the cases collected. Its sample begins after an extinguisher has been used and reported to a participating service technician.
The Home Office’s separate analysis starts with primary fires attended by fire and rescue services. It found that the public used an extinguisher in 4,828 of 68,757 primary fires in England in the year ending March 2020—7% of attended primary fires.
| Evidence | Starting population | Reported measure | What it cannot establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 industry use survey | Known cases where a portable had been used | 93% reported as extinguished; correct type reportedly used in 93% | Success across every fire or every attempted intervention |
| Home Office ad-hoc analysis | Primary fires attended by English FRSs | Public use recorded in 7% of 68,757 fires | Uses at fires that never required FRS attendance |
Evidence quality
The headline survey is useful but is not a random sample of all fires
The FIA presentation says technicians gathered information when they encountered extinguishers that had been used. This can capture otherwise unreported small incidents, but it does not provide a random denominator covering every fire or every failed decision not to use an extinguisher.
The survey also reported that 52% of users had received training and that a fire and rescue service was called in 27% of collected cases. Those descriptive findings should be attributed to the survey rather than treated as nationally representative official statistics.
Real-world conditions
Successful first-aid firefighting depends on more than the cylinder
A portable unit can only help where the fire is still small enough, the correct rated agent is available, the equipment operates, the user recognises the hazard and a safe escape route remains. An apparently successful discharge can also be followed by re-ignition.
Official premises guidance treats extinguishers as one part of the wider precautions. The FRA should connect selection, position, maintenance, staff instruction, alarm and evacuation.
Fire size
A developing or smoke-filled fire is not a safe first-aid intervention.
Agent and rating
An incompatible agent can spread fire or create additional danger.
Maintenance
Pressure, seals, hose, agent condition and service history influence readiness.
Human decision
The person must retain a safe route out and know when not to intervene.
How to cite the figures
Carry the source, year and population with every percentage
For the 93% result, name the joint industry survey and explain that it covers collected cases where an extinguisher had been used. For the 7% result, state that it covers primary fires attended by English fire and rescue services in the year ending March 2020.
Do not combine the percentages into a new rate, compare them as though they share a denominator or use either as proof that a particular premises has suitable provision.